You're Your Own Billboard

As a mother of four boys, there are days I am lucky to even get a shower, let alone do my make up or hair. Or even remotely look beyond the jeans and t-shirt look. There are times as well that my schedule just doesn’t allow it or there is no need to look like anything special. Now, I know that there are several women (moms) that feel this way, right?

I was always taught by my momma Kat, that, your husband or significant other, interacts everyday with beautiful women. These women, whether they have kids or not, take the time to do their hair and their make-up. They are not running around in their jammies all day long. Now, I am saying that it is ok for your other half to scout out all these other women? Nope! I stating an obvious fact, men look! So do us women, so don’t pretend to be perfect in that area.

Another lesson, more recently taught, was by an instructor I had. She would always state that we are our own walking billboard. The way we dress, the way we care for ourselves, and the way we present ourselves, is our very own walking billboard. You only have one chance at that first impression. Even as a stay home mom, this applies to you. You never know when that first impression must count for something.

Now, I am sure you are thinking easier said than done! I know, I have been there. In actuality, it really is easy. You don’t need to go all out ladies. Only if that is you! Taking 30 minutes a day and really putting an effort into your look, goes a very long way.

Here are some make-up tips:

1.    Foundation. Can be a light sheer foundation. Apply it over some concealer (not a must) or over bare skin. Have allergies? Mary Kay has some great products and last a good while if you are not overly applying! Almay has some really good products that cater to sensitive skin. Bare minerals is also a wonderful, natural make-up that sensitive skin types tend to tolerate well. And it last a very long time!

2.    Mascara. Keep it natural if you are not going out on the town. Brown or a brown black, is perfect. My personal fave, Lash Blast by covergirl!

3.    Eyeliner. Avoid liquid for a natural look. Use a light brown or light grey, and line the outer eyelid (top and bottom). Just the corners and smudge it inward with a q-tip or your finger tip.

4.    Highlighter for pale skin or bronzer for medium to darker skin. Brush this on the apples of your cheeks. All you need. No need to fuss with the different colors of blush.

5.    Last but not least, a sheer, slightly tinted lip gloss! And you are done! You may have to play a bit with the colors.

It’s pretty simple and once you get it down, it normally takes about 5-8 mins in the mornings. Can easily do this before your kiddos ever wake!

Now for the hair! I often hear, I just don’t know what to do or I am no good at hair. You do not have to be great with hair. There are plenty of simple dos that don’t take very much time. Great advice, google hairdos that fit your texture and length. You may also check out YouTube. They have some great tutorials.   

Some things that you may consider keeping on hand:

1.    Skinny hair by Matrix. I love this! It is kinda pricey, but last forever! This is great for frizzy hair and smells wonderful! It also doesn’t weigh the hair down like some products similar to it.

2.    Bed Head Manipulator. Very flexible and touchable hair. Can purchase at Wal-Mart.

3.    A good hold hairspray! I like Big Sexy Hair.

4.    Bobby pins

5.    Clear rubber bands and regular hair ties.

You can create many looks with these products!

Hope that this helps you busy women out there! Remember, you are your own walking billboard. Give your hubby something to come home to or simply do it for yourself!

Till next time… have a great day!

(All hairstyles posted took very little time!)

Footprints

Lessons we learn throughout our lives. Whether they are good or bad.  As parents we often do not realize that we are teaching our children lessons every day without setting out to do so. Have you ever thought about that?

Growing up, and as you figured from my last post, my bio mother was not the best positive teacher in life. That being said though, I did learn a lot from that woman. Lessons I am very much thankful for each and every day. So, in a way, I am indebted to her for some of the way I turned out. Much of the positives. How is it that a mother who is not by state standards a “fit” mother capable of teaching a child how to become a good mother and adult? Let me explain.

Lessons that I learned from her early on. Smoking was disgusting! It made your house smell horrible! (You know what I mean by this. That friend or relative that smokes and you go to their home and take a big ole whiff! YUCK!) Not only that, it was a horrible waste of money. We never had money, but she always had money for those things. I never formed that habit thankfully! That was enough for me! Alcohol and drugs was another biggie! Saw enough with her to know, it can ruin your life. It can also make you act in ways you would never normally act. Or at least enhance those actions in a negative way. I do occasionally drink, but I know when to say enough. Again though, what a waste to go out all the time!

These bring me to my next lesson. Your kids come first! Habits should never come before bills or things such as food or clothing. Their needs must be met before those habits of yours. Taking from your kids to meet your needs (pawning their stuff like game systems, laptops etc.) due to your inability to budget or because of your habits, is just plain bad parenting skills all around. Yes, my mother did this all the time!

These are just some of my big lessons that I had learned by 7, which a 7 year old should have no clue about. This is what I mean by we as parents teach our children lessons every day without even realizing that we are doing so. Every day we are placing footprints in life for them to follow in. Where will your footprints lead your children? Will it lead them to being successful, independent adults or failures? Will you teach them to follow through on their goals and dreams or fall short and give up?

Until next time, I hope you have a great day and beware your steps you place in your child’s life!

Sometimes that special woman in your life, that one that touches your life or became that mentor in your life, isn’t always your natural or bio mother. It can be anyone that you have deemed to take that special place or has impacted your life in a way that just stuck with you. You know what I mean I am sure. Those memories, those sayings that that special lady said that just seems to stay in the back of your mind all these years.

That special lady in my life unfortunately was not my mother. I know this is the case for many. The lady that impacted me so was a very special, petite and spunky, Katrina. From day one there was a special connection we two shared. She seemed to be that light in a very dark time in my life. Not that there weren’t many other very special other ladies. Tera, Kim, Sheila, Priscilla, Rosemary….also very special ladies that were there as well. Katrina though, she stepped up when others maybe didn’t know how, maybe weren’t able to, whatever the case, she was able to reach where other’s weren’t able to.

I grew up in a not so ideal situation. My bio mother, while I believe she did love me, just wasn’t able to be the best mother she could be. She had her addictions and her issues to deal with. As a child though, I did not understand any of this, nor did I even know. All I knew was it was dark! It hurt! Katrina was my light as a teen. She took me in and loved me! She never judged me and never, ever thought for a second that I would turn out like the hand that originally raised me like so many that had praised me and pushed me, did.

She pushed me to become ME! She was hard at times, yes. However, that is what stuck with me the most. And for that, I am truly thankful. She truly showed me what love was and in turn, what it wasn’t. When I made mistakes, she did not condemn me like so many were quick to do. When I cried, she held me. When I was angry, she allowed me to vent. When I was quiet, she let me think. When I was silly, she was silly with me. When I needed a mother, she was that mother. When I needed a friend, she was that best friend.

I will always remember some things she told me. Every day before dropping me off at school, she would tell me “Be beautiful!” It takes a great person to be beautiful. I really understood this as an adult and apply this to my life everyday now. Another thing she told me, “Nothing beats a failure but a try”. This has always stuck in my head. It pushes me when I am afraid to try new things.

Beyond her words, her actions showed me a lot of things that she could have never told me. She was and still is an amazing woman! I am forever thankful for her impact on my life.

Katrina, if you read this, I love you mom! You are an amazing woman! You are truly a beautiful woman! Thank you for giving me a chance when others simply saw her in me and nothing more. I cannot imagine how different my life may have been. Thank you for being my miracle!

Take time today to thank that special lady in your life, whether it is your mother, your step mom, your second mom, that teacher, that mentor. Let them know that they touched your life.

To all the mothers and special women out there who have impacted lives in a positive way, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Opinion Not Needed!

As mother, sometimes it is soo frustrating!! People want to butt in and give opinions about this or that when they just have no clue! You know those people I am talking about. Friendly advice is one thing, don’t get me wrong. I am all for hearing what has worked for others. You just never know after all, it could work for that cough or cold.

What I am talking about is things such as immunizations (yes, I immunize my kids), or ADHD and medication. I remember clearly the day my eldest was diagnosed with ADD. I was dead set against medicating my child. Why? Simple. I had heard so many, mainly women, talk bad about. And of course, all the suggestions followed. Don’t feed him this, avoid that, don’t give him red stuff. I got all into. Never once did I stop and research for myself or even come up with my own thoughts. Even asking a simple question, these ladies were quick to jump and make me feel awful for even considering the thought of placing my child on any kinds of medications for this disorder.

After a year of ups and downs, and the poor teacher trying desperately to try alternatives, I sought my doctor’s advice, again. She gave it to me straight. Just try the meds. See how they are. She went over my concerns and helped me research the info. I was amazed at what I found. I of course, hid the fact that I gave in (how I felt) to medicating my son. After about a month, I could not believe the difference. His grades shot up! The teacher was ever so grateful as well.

My lesson was learned! When my second son was diagnosed with ADHD, I did not hesitate to first, ensure this was the proper diagnoses, second, medicate him. I did my homework this time. I also learned, opinions are not needed and I am my child’s parent, no one else. That info those parents gave me, weren’t even correct. They had no merit, no clue, and they aren’t educated, experts in that field. There was nothing wrong with getting help for my child when he really and truly needed it. I wasn’t simply handing my child a pill cause I couldn’t handle him, I was giving him a chance to be able to focus his brain and focus his body.

Sometimes, we need to say, YOU’RE OPINION IS NOT NEEDED! Never let anyone make you feel bad for doing what you feel is best for your child or family. Only you know what is best. Others are only looking in from the outside. And yes, this even goes for family!

Until next time…. Have a great day!

10 years

In light of my near birthday, 30^th to be exact, I began to think of my last ten years. Wow, a lot has happened in just 10 years. I remember sitting at 19 thinking about turning 20 for one. My thoughts were completely different as you can imagine. Physically, besides being pounds heavier, I don’t look much different, but my outlook on life has taken a huge turn in a different direction. And of course, I am not the same individual that I was all those years ago.

At 20, I was a mommy to my wonderful son Darren. I had faced being a single momma, on my own with no family and in a town with complete strangers. Retreating home was just not an option. Who would’ve ever thought that that decision would shape my personality for the rest of my life up to this point?

I met a man who I thought would be the my soul mate, married and had two more boys, Wyatt and Noah. Unfortunately we separated more times than we stayed together and divorced. Once again, a single momma, this time of 3 boys! I held a career in which I went very far in and choose to back down on, thanks to a man. (Yes, the one I divorced) I have moved, I have moved back. I have met many great and wonderful people who have helped me grow. I also have met many who weren’t so great and they too have helped me grow and learn.

I also met my current husband, who gave me another son, my stepson, Andrew. Neither of us were expecting or looking to find anyone and there we were. A year later, we wed and combined homes. Took me a bit to get use to having an a forth kiddo in the mix, but in time, I figured it out.

Now, as I approach my big 3 0 birthday, I look back over the years and smile. Even those not so good moments have something to learn from. Even those tears I shed were worth this moment. There were mountains to climb, but smooth roads too. I am thankful for that road, or I like to say hiking trail, in my life. And, I look forward to 10 more years to look back on. 10 more wonderful years of memories!

Here’s to the future and here’s to a great day!

How do you do it???

I am often asked, “HOW DO YOU DO IT WITH FOUR BOYS???” Some days I just laugh and wonder myself. Other days I contribute my ability to “DO IT” with my ability to multi-task and my schedule. I guess in all honesty I just never realized what all I really did till I began to take note of my daily activities and until I began school.

Taking on the added task of school with all elementary age children, has definitely taught me a few things or two about “HOW TO DO IT WITH FOUR BOYS!” As a result, I am often asked to share with fellow classmates my secrets in being a full time mom and student. Many speculate assuming that my husband must pick up the slack in helping out. Unfortunately that is not the case in this home. He works in the wonderful (sarcasm here) world of the oilfield and is out two weeks and home one week (normally). So in many cases I am a part time single parent, if that makes sense.

So what is it that I do? Simple! Organization, time management, prioritizing, and of course, plenty of patience! No secret here. Organizing my day and my life has always been key. This insures I get things done! Time management… enough said! There are some great apps on the Android phones (not sure about IPhones sorry) to help with this or a simple calendar. Dry erase boards work great too! Prioritizing, this is a huge one! How important is this or that, compared to this or that? I am constantly asking myself this all the time! And lastly, patience. I often think that I am lacking in this department, just to be told I am the most patient person someone has known. Still not buying that, but nevertheless, stepping back, slowing down, and being patient, helps tremendously.

Really, most know all of this, but I am hoping that those who ask me all the time or make the comment “I just don’t know how you do it with four boys.” will see and read this. It’s really not hard, and quite frankly I do not have much choice (joking).

Being a mom, that is me. Chaos, that is my life. I honestly could not imagine it any other way and probably wouldn’t want it any other way!

Until next time, have a great day!

If She Ain’t Happy Ain’t No Body Happy….

How many times have we heard this saying? I heard this a lot growing up! In a way, this is very true. The woman in the household controls the mood in the home. I think at times we don’t even realize this. What control us women really have in our homes!

There’s another saying … Happy Wife, Happy Life! I have this sign hanging in my home, right by my door. And this is very true as well. Just ask my husband at my times. See why I say women really do control the mood of their home?

This brings me to my next point. It is important as moms, wives, that we watch what we do, say, how we act and most important, that we take time for us! Time for me?? Did I really just say that?

Yes I most certainly did! And, I mean it! TIME! Ladies, it is important. If you remain tense and stressed you become in a bad mood. Then what happens? It’s a chain reaction. You become easily agitated, and then you begin taking it out on your spouse who becomes upset with you. Fight time! Who becomes affected? Kids! They become irritable. It can affect their sleep, affecting them in their school work, behavior, etc. Not only that, but your mood carries on to your work, or your hubby, who became in a bad mood, carries on to his work. See where I am going?

What are some other issues that can affect you not taking time for you? Stress is harmful to you period! It affects your health ladies. Can cause your blood pressure to rise, weight gain, headaches, and other physical problems.

Taking time for you doesn’t mean a vacation every month either. Just a few minutes a day. Here are some ideas for you to use.

1.    Schedule a lunch date with a good friend once a week at your favorite place. A good adult conversation always helps.

2.    A hot bath at night with candles and ambient music. You can do this after the kids are in bed. Tell your spouse this is me time. Explain that this is important and why. Some aromatherapy (can purchase at Walmart or Target) in your tub works wonders.

3.    Going for a walk in the evenings, not only is this healthy for you, but relaxing.

4.    Going for a swim. If you are into swimming. Again, healthy.

5.    Reading a good book. Nothing like getting lost in a good book.

6.    Watching a good chick flick or whatever movie is your favorite all time movie. Send the hubby and the kids to the park or wherever for some bonding time.

Whatever it is you do, do it for you! This does not include cleaning ladies! Just relax and breath.

Hope everyone has a great day and until next time, enjoy!